This disc presents a concert given at Wigmore Hall by countertenor Iestyn Davies in 2009. Handel’s Nine German Arias are the major focus of the concert. Handel’s songs are preceded by a Buxtehude cantata and several English songs, with another Purcell song as an encore. In choosing works for this concert, Davies has mostly invaded the soprano repertoire, and most of the selections have been transposed down for him. Other changes involve substituting viola da gamba for the second voice needed in Purcell’s Gentle Shepherds and in assigning the bass of Blow’s elegy to the lute.

We do not know the occasion for which the Nine German Arias were written. They were composed around 1724–26 and are the last works Handel set to a German text. The text is taken from a collection of cantata texts by Barthold Heinrich Brockes, whose passion text Handel had set around 1716. The score is written in three lines, obbligato instrument, soprano voice, and bass. Although violin is the only instrument that can comfortably encompass the obbligato line, it is sometimes assigned to flute or oboe with adjustments. The bass most often is given to cello and keyboard, usually harpsichord, sometimes organ.

Ensemble Guadagni consists of four instrumentalists playing violin, viola da gamba, theorbo, and keyboard (harpsichord and organ). For these performances, the violin takes the obbligato instrument line for all but one of the songs, the exception being HWV 204, where the viola takes its place, leaving the bass to theorbo and organ.

Iestyn Davies has a beautiful voice. He is one of the best countertenors before the public. I have never heard a bad or indifferent performance from him. His technique is assured, his singing of florid music smooth and effortless. Da capo ornaments are generally tasteful. Ensemble Guadagni provides excellent support, though I think the theorbo is a bit too prominent and overused. I assume that anyone considering purchasing this disc will be attracted by the singer or will be looking to acquire the Handel songs. The remaining music on the disc is as well performed as the Handel.

There are nine competing versions of Handel’s Nine German Arias listed at ArkivMusic.com, all sung by sopranos. Pride of place goes to Carolyn Sampson and The King’s Consort on Hyperion. Other worthy recordings include Emma Kirkby and London Baroque on BIS, and Arlene Augér on Berlin. Of the other works, only the Blow elegy is not listed at ArkivMusic.com.

I cannot say that we were in need of a recording of the Handel songs transposed down for countertenor. But it is hard to argue with success. This beautifully sung concert is well worth investigating.